Lough Allen

What is kayaking Lough Allen like?

Lough Allen sits in a dramatic bowl surrounded by the Iron Mountains and Slieve Anierin, the highest point in Leitrim. Paddle north from the Acres Lake channel along the wild western shore where bog cotton sways on the hillsides. The lake is part of the Shannon Blueway network and offers superb solitude even in summer months.

How do I paddle Lough Allen? Put-in, take-out and logistics

Lough Allen is the first major lake on the River Shannon, sitting high in the upper catchment between the Iron Mountains to the west and Slieve Anierin (585 m) to the east — the highest point in Co. Leitrim. The lake is accessed from Drumshanbo via the short Acres Lake channel, and the marina at Acres Lake has a proper slipway, parking, and basic toilet facilities. Once through the channel and onto the main lake, the scale becomes apparent: Allen is roughly 11 km long and 5 km wide, and on a still morning the mountain reflections are extraordinary.

When is the best time to paddle Lough Allen?

The western shore is the more interesting side for paddlers, with blanket bog running down to the waterline, scattered boulders, and a handful of small sandy beaches for landing. The area around Spencer Harbour, about 4 km north of the channel entrance, has been restored as part of the Shannon Blueway and makes a good stopping point with picnic tables and an information board. Lough Allen is notably quieter than the mid-Shannon lakes — cruiser traffic is minimal because the navigation channel through the lake is narrow and marked, and most hire boats turn around at Drumshanbo. Wind is the main hazard: northerlies and north-westerlies blow straight down the lake with no shelter on the open water, and conditions can deteriorate quickly. Staying within 200 metres of the western shore is prudent unless the forecast is settled. The bog cotton in June and the heather in August give the hillsides above the lake a distinctive character that changes colour with the seasons.